In this edition of Living In The Cloud Series, I am going to discuss online collaboration software, Team Apart. Touted by some bloggers as Webex killer (no, it is not webex killer at this point), this recently launched app has the potential to reshape the collaboration landscape. Another such startup, DimDim, with its extensive set of features, is more suitable for webinar or for management addressing all the office employees, etc.. However, Team Apart is more suited for an online team meeting or a group discussion by students, etc..
Unlike other collaboration apps, Team Apart uses video conferencing, persistent workspaces, real time online collaboration tools to offer users enormous value at no cost. The target market seems to be small businesses, individuals, families, student groups, etc..
As it is customary in this series, I will add a video of the app below.
TeamApart Demo from TeamApart on Vimeo.
As I usually do in this series, I will list out the pros and cons from my point of view.
Pros:
- The biggest advantage is the persistent workspace. It is like having a conference room exclusively for the team. The team members can log into the work space and follow up any discussions that might have happened previously much like how we can do it in real life by checking out the whiteboard in a real conference room. This feature is very unique to Team Apart.
- They are taking the Freemium route. So the cost to start off is zero.
- I love their collaborative tools like whiteboard, text notes, document sharing and photo sharing. The greatest advantage is the ease with which one can move from one to another. Personally, I love the way they dock on the sides when we minimize these tools.
- Unlike some of the collaborative tools out there in the market, up to 4 people can participate in video. For me, video is must to get a realistic feeling in a team meeting done with such collaborative software.
- Love the idea of Recycle Bin that collects the docs/tools we close/delete. It gives an option to restore the deleted item and it will come very handy in a wide variety of situations
Cons:
- Lack of recording is a put off. Hopefully, it is offered as a premium feature.
- Video for only 4 people can be restrictive at times. Hope there is an option to add more people in the premium version
Update: We have 50 beta invites for Cloud Ave readers. Grab yours and enjoy your meetings 🙂
